Network Systems Specialist

Summary

Job Category:
Infrastructure
Job Title:
Network Systems Specialist
Job Category Definition:
This specialty covers design, integration, implementation, modification, and coordination of the installation, testing, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of hardware and software systems. Functions may include conducting needs analyses; planning and scheduling the installation of new or modified hardware/software; developing functional and technical requirements and specifications; allocating systems resources; managing accounts, documentation, and access to systems and equipment; administering passwords; monitoring the performance, capacity, availability, serviceability, and recoverability of installed systems; implementing security procedures and tools; maintaining systems configuration; managing the installation and integration of system patches updates, and enhancements; ensuring the rigorous application of information security/information assurance policies, principles, and practices.
Job Title Definition:
The Network Systems Specialist provides enterprise-wide network service where network includes voice, data, and video; evaluates and recommends solutions; plans and executes implementation; includes networking hardware and associated software with the objective of providing a robust, secure, and stable network infrastructure; maintains familiarity with standard security, privacy, communications, and telecommunications protocols. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title.
Working Conditions:
Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:
 

Levels

Level 1  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
ITSS0101 H Non-Exempt

Level 1 positions typically demonstrate baseline working knowledge of routine work applications; follow standard principles and systems and use appropriate terminology associated with a particular field of specialization; participate as a team member in a collaborative environment within a diverse workforce; actively contribute to completion of team goals and assigned tasks; clearly communicate information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing; follow recommended approach to assigned work to facilitate achievement of desired results; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under direct and frequent supervision while performing routine duties using established procedures with detailed instructions.

Typical Education & Experience

0+ years related experience

Associate's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Perform defined processes and practices to support the network and ensure consistent and reliable operation to meet business needs
  • Monitor and troubleshoot network performance to maintain reliability and prevent network issues, based on standard procedures
  • Identify service-related issues and recommend solutions; assist with incident response
  • Communicate and translate technical information to non-technical end users
  • Keep customers informed of service changes, outages, or discontinuation
  • Provide user support and troubleshooting through established protocol; escalate as necessary
  • Contribute to documentation of incidents, internal processes and procedures, etc.; ensure documentation is current and correct  
  • Maintain documentation of departmental processes, procedures, plans for preventative maintenance, and disaster recovery
  • Participate in the evaluation of potential equipment, components, and software
  • May participate in developing plans, schedules, and requirements for the deployment of systems
  • May participate in developing effective processes and procedures for continuity of service
  • Participate in discussions with vendors
  • Perform audits for networks and security
  • Research and stay current with best practices

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 2  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
ITSS0102 J Non-Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience

2+ years related experience

Associate's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Perform defined processes and practices to manage network systems to ensure consistent and reliable operation to meet business needs
  • Provide escalated user support; troubleshoot and resolve network issues and escalate as necessary
  • Under general direction, install, configure, and maintain network hardware and associated software
  • Maintain reliability of networks by performing monitoring, testing, and troubleshooting
  • Assist in resolving service-related issues and recommend solutions
  • Contribute to developing plans, schedules, and requirements for the deployment of networks
  • Assist with designing, testing, and performing upgrades to installed systems
  • Work with Office of Information Security to monitor threats, alerts, and security vulnerabilities for installed systems; implement response plan for various types of threats and attacks; collect and analyze information regarding security breaches and anomalies
  • Ensure security of network assets including routers, bridges, cabling, and network protocols
  • Implement appropriate recovery plans for every critical function
  • Assist in developing effective processes and procedures to ensure continuity of service
  • Interface with vendors to resolve hardware and software problems and recommend solutions
  • Create and maintain system documentation of departmental processes, procedures, design plans, and configurations
  • Interface with vendors to resolve hardware and software problems and recommend solutions
  • Evaluate potential equipment, components, and software

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 3  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
ITSS0103 K Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience

4+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Develop plans, schedules, and requirements for the deployment of networks
  • Plan, develop, and troubleshoot network configurations; oversee network equipment and security devices
  • Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot security devices; manage firewall rules
  • Investigate, diagnose, and resolve complex network and security issues
  • Monitor network performance to evaluate efficient operation and prevent network issues
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency by leveraging scripting, automation, or other process improvements
  • Research, identify, and recommend new or improved network solutions and technology
  • Assist Systems Design Specialists in development and testing of current and future service improvements
  • Manage, research, and resolve complex user escalation incidents
  • Collaborate and communicate with unit and university peers to identify technology requirements and solutions
  • Interface with University organizations to resolve service-related issues
  • Collaborate with vendors on the implementation of upgrades and/or escalate and troubleshoot complex network issues or problems
  • Assist with developing processes and procedures to operate and manage network efficiency
  • Create and maintain documentation for preventative maintenance and disaster recovery
  • Create and maintain accurate network topology documentation and knowledge base articles
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to staff and teams
  • May develop and provide training to staff
  • May lead and oversee departmental projects and provide input and guidance to team

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 4  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
ITSS0104 L Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

8+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Provide expertise to the design, configuration, implementation, operation, and security of network systems
  • Serve as technical expert for complex systems and identify solutions to issues and system/service interruption
  • Lead and/or provide technical guidance to staff and teams
  • Lead and oversee departmental projects; build and maintain project management skills
  • Develop processes and procedures for design, maintenance, and operation of networks to ensure consistent and reliable operation to meet the business needs
  • Participate in the architecture and design of network systems
  • Evaluate potential equipment, components, and software; analyze the cost/benefit of emerging technology
  • Assess and strengthen measures to control access to and use of critical assets
  • Create and implement new solutions to existing systems to increase performance  
  • Investigate and analyze network requirements and develop specifications
  • Design and perform major upgrades to installed network systems
  • Manage, research, and resolve complex user escalation incidents
  • Provide oversight and management for new or existing systems, upgrades, and maintenance
  • Manage vendor relationships; consult with vendors to resolve issues
  • Analyze the cost/benefit of emerging technology
  • Leverage experience and collaborate with University wide, national, and/or international organizations
  • Develop and provide training to IT staff and end users
  • May serve as designated Service Manager for a large enterprise service
  • May be responsible for various administrative and budget tasks
  • May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 5  

There is currently no Level 5.

Common career path: Systems Design Specialist or IT Manager.